Expanded program notes from a graduate recital performed March 20, 2009

Abstract

On March 20, 2009, the writer performed a graduate percussion recital, presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music in percussion performance. The compositions included in this performance were by German, Japanese, Icelandic, and American composers written over a span of twenty-three years, from 1974 to 1997, each with its own unique history. Without studying information about the composers, it is nearly impossible to fully grasp the compositions themselves. The program notes accompanying the recording explore the composers’ distinctive styles, revealing a sample of the wide range of techniques employed in composition for percussionists.